What do soldiers say about the army? How many like it? What happens in training? What are the risks?
Every month, 4,500 people visit this site to get the facts here before they sign up.
There’s some advice for parents too.
And if you’re in the army now and want to leave, this site sets out your options.
BeforeYouSignUp.info is independent and aims to be honest about army life.
Soldiers tend to love some things about the army – and then there are other things they tend to hate about it, too.
How many soldiers would recommend army life to their civvie mates? Every year the army asks soldiers exactly this question. Here’s the answer…
After the first few months you are ‘locked in’ to the army for at least four years, sometimes longer.
Army training is intense. Find out why, how it works, and what you can expect.
Most soldiers get through training but a lot leave – either because they want to or the army tells them to.
Any soldier might have to kill in war. Some soldiers are more likely than others to kill people, especially the infantry.
How dangerous it is for soldiers depends on the kind of job they have in the army and whether they’re sent to war, but the main risks aren’t what you might expect…
A lot depends on the kind of job you sign up for. Some army jobs can lead to courses in a trade, others don’t offer very much.
If you join the army, the jobs you get to choose from depend on how fit you are when you apply – in mind and body.
In the army medical, you’ll be asked in detail about your medical history. Here’s what you need to know.
If soldiers get through training then they stay in the army for an average of about 8 years. That’s a lot longer than most people in other jobs.
You get a better deal from joining at 18 or older. Here’s why…
Soldiers often complain about their pay, saying it doesn’t make up for the hardships of the army, but there are some perks, like a free pension and free dental treatment.
Are you ready to deal with any bullying in the army? Most soldiers aren’t bullied but it does happen and it can be rough.
The army’s leaders are trying to deal with racism but it’s still a common experience for many.
The army is trying to deal with sexism but the army’s own statistics show that the problem has been getting worse in recent years.
The army site will tell you some of what you need to know about military life – but it doesn’t tell you the downsides and some of what it says isn’t true, or is misleading.
Ask your recruiter all the same questions! Please get in touch if they give you different answers.
Visit these sites to find out more about army life from (very) different points of view:
If your son or daughter wants to join the army aged 16 or 17 then they’ll need your permission first. There are good reasons to wait until your child turns 18, which is what many parents do. Whichever choice you make, this page offers some advice.
Read More “My child wants to JOIN the army – what should I do?”
If your child wants to leave the army and they’re not yet 18 then they can, but there are some restrictions. If your child is already 18 then it’s more difficult. Either way, this page will guide you through your options.
Read More “My child wants to LEAVE the army – what can I do?”
Before You Sign Up 